Dry-Lift Hockey Bag

ABSTRACT

A sports bag device is disclosed that provides users with a simple and hassle-free way to air-dry their sports equipment. The sports bag device comprises a shell component and a mesh bag secured to the shell component. The shell component comprises a substantially rectangular base, first and second side walls connected to side edges of the base, and first and second end walls connected to end edges of the base. Additionally, the shell component comprises a top closure component that releasably connects the side walls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component. Furthermore, a telescoping handle is secured to an end wall, and an end of the mesh bag is releasably secured to the telescoping handle. Thus, raising the telescoping handle causes one side of the mesh bag to raise out of the shell component, effectively allowing the contents of the mesh bag to air dry.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/779,963 filed Mar. 13, 2013.

BACKGROUND

It can be a hassle for hockey players and other sports players to drytheir equipment after playing, especially if they play and/or practicefour or more times a week. Typically, players stuff their equipmentinside a bag and then when they get home, scatter it on the floorsomewhere to dry, or simply leave it in the hockey bag. If playersforget to hang up the equipment or don't go directly home, it may notcompletely dry before the next use and can grow bacteria and developstrong, pungent odors. This can be unpleasant and highly inconvenient.An effective solution is necessary.

The present invention features an inner mesh bag and telescoping handleto hold hockey equipment while drying, and prevents players from losingor misplacing pieces of equipment. The hockey bag device also maximizesspace while air-drying equipment, and encourages hockey players toair-out their equipment on a regular basis. The device accommodateshockey players of all ages.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof,comprises a sports bag device that provides users with a simple andhassle-free way to air-dry their equipment. The sports bag devicecomprises a shell component and a mesh bag releasably secured to theinterior surface of the shell component. The shell component comprises asubstantially rectangular base, first and second side walls connected torespective opposite side edges of the base, and first and second endwalls connected to respective opposite end edges of the base.Furthermore, the side walls, and the end walls are formed of a flexiblematerial and, the side walls and end walls extend upwardly from thebase. The edges of the end walls are joined to adjacent edges of theside walls and are secured. Additionally, the shell component comprisesa top closure component that releasably connects distal edges of theside walls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shellcomponent.

Furthermore, the sports bag device comprises a mesh bag removablysecured within the interior of the shell component, and a telescopinghandle secured to an edge of the end walls of the shell component.Further, one of the opposing ends of the mesh bag is releasably securedto the telescoping handle, such that raising (or extending) thetelescoping handle causes one side of the mesh bag to raise out of theinterior surface of the shell component, effectively allowing thecontents of the mesh bag to air dry.

In a preferred embodiment, the exterior surface of the shell componentcomprises a shoulder strap and/or a hand strap, for transporting thesports bag device. The exterior surface of the shell component alsocomprises at least one zippered pocket, but typically comprises aplurality of zippered pockets to accommodate sports equipment andaccessories, such as water bottles, towels, skates, etc.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intendedto include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the sports bag device inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mesh bag within the sportsbag device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the mesh bag with thedrawstring opening open in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the mesh bag raised from thesports bag device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of the sports bag device in use,with the mesh bag being removed from the sports bag device in accordancewith the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of the sports bag device in use,with the mesh bag being placed in a washing machine in accordance withthe disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention features an inner mesh bag and telescoping handleto hold hockey equipment and other sports equipment while drying, andprevents players from losing or misplacing pieces of sports equipment.The hockey bag device also maximizes space while air-drying equipment,and encourages hockey players to air-out their sports equipment on aregular basis. The device accommodates hockey players and other sportsplayers of all ages.

The disclosed sports bag device comprises a shell component and a meshbag releasably secured to the interior surface of the shell component.The shell component comprises a substantially rectangular base, firstand second side walls connected to side edges of the base, and first andsecond end walls connected to end edges of the base. Additionally, theshell component comprises a top closure component that releasablyconnects the side walls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of theshell component. Furthermore, a telescoping handle is secured to an endwall of the shell component, and one of the opposing ends of the meshbag is releasably secured to the telescoping handle. Thus, raising thetelescoping handle causes one side of the mesh bag to raise out of theinterior surface of the shell component, effectively allowing thecontents of the mesh bag to air dry.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the sports bagdevice 100 that provides users with a simple and hassle-free way toair-dry their equipment. The sports bag device 100 comprises a shellcomponent 102 and a mesh bag 104 releasably secured to the interiorsurface of the shell component (as shown in FIG. 2).

The shell component 102 comprises a substantially rectangular base 106,first 108 and second 110 side walls connected to respective oppositeside edges 112 of the base 106, and first 114 and second 116 end wallsconnected to respective opposite end edges 118 of the base 106 (as shownin FIG. 1). Typically, the first 108 and second 110 side walls arerectangular in shape but can be any suitable shape as is known in theart without affecting the overall concept of the invention, such assquare, elliptical, oval, etc. Further, the first 114 and second 116 endwalls are typically elliptical in shape but can be any suitable shape asis known in the art without affecting the overall concept of theinvention, such as rectangular, square, etc.

The shell component 102 would generally be constructed of nylon, canvas,plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), etc., or composite polymers, thoughany other suitable material may be used to manufacture the shellcomponent 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overallconcept of the invention. Furthermore, the side walls 108 and 110, andthe end walls 114 and 116 are formed of a flexible material and, theside walls 108 and 110 and end walls 114 and 116 extend upwardly fromthe base 106. The edges 120 of the end walls 114 and 116 are joined toadjacent edges 122 of the side walls 108 and 110 and are secured. Theedges 120 of the end walls 114 and 116 are secured to adjacent edges 122of the side walls 108 and 110 via any suitable securing means as isknown in the art, such as sewing, gluing, welding, fasteners, etc.

The shell component 102 can also comprise a variety of colors anddesigns to suit user and manufacturing preference. While the shape andsize of the shell component 102 may vary greatly depending on the wantsand needs of a user, the shell component 102 is approximately between 30and 32 inches in length as measured from a first end wall 114 to asecond end wall 116, and approximately between 16 and 20 inches in widthas measured from a first side wall 108 to a second side wall 110, andapproximately between 14 and 15 inches high as measured from the base106 to the top 124 of the shell component 102.

Additionally, the shell component 102 comprises a top closure component126 that releasably connects distal edges of the side walls 108 and 110,thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component 102. Thetop closure component 126 is typically a zipper, a hook and loopfastener, a button, etc., or any other suitable closure component as isknown in the art. Typically, the top closure component 126 comprises azippered flap to cover a substantial portion of the top 124 of the shellcomponent 102 (as shown in FIG. 2), and encloses an interior surface ofthe shell component 102.

Further, the exterior surface 128 of the shell component 102 comprises ashoulder strap 130 and/or a hand strap 132, for transporting the sportsbag device 100. The exterior surface 128 of the shell component 102 alsocomprises at least one zippered pocket 134, but typically comprises aplurality of zippered pockets 134 to accommodate sports equipment andaccessories, such as water bottles, towels, skates, etc.

Furthermore, the sports bag device 100 comprises a mesh bag 104removably secured within the interior of the shell component 102. Themesh bag 104 comprises a top surface 136, a bottom surface 138, andopposing ends 140. Typically, the mesh bag 104 is manufactured ofbreathable material, such as nylon webbing or mesh, or any othersuitable material as is known in the art, as long as the material allowsthe contents of the mesh bag 104 to be dried by air. The mesh bag 104typically has an opening 142 which is releasably secured via adrawstring or other suitable securing means, such as hook and loopfasteners, buttons, zippers, etc.

The mesh bag 104 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs tosuit user and manufacturing preference. While the shape and size of themesh bag 104 may vary greatly depending on the wants and needs of auser, the mesh bag 104 is approximately between 30 and 32 inches inlength as measured from opposing ends 140, and approximately between 16and 20 inches in width as measured from opposing sides 141, andapproximately between 14 and 15 inches high as measured from a topsurface 136 to a bottom surface 138.

The sports bag device 100 further comprises a telescoping handle 144secured to an edge 120 of the first 114 or second 116 end walls of theshell component 102. The handle 144 can be any suitable handle as isknown in the art as long as the handle extends away from the sports bagdevice 100 and retracts back toward the sports bag device 100.Typically, the telescoping handle 144 is approximately between 12 to 36inches in height as measured from opposing ends 143 of the handle 144.In a collapsed state, the handle 144 would be approximately 12 to 16inches in height, and when fully extended, lifting the mesh bag 104, thehandle 144 would be approximately 12 to 36 inches in height. Further,one of the opposing ends 140 of the mesh bag 104 is releasably securedto the telescoping handle 144, such that raising (or extending) thetelescoping handle 144 causes one side of the mesh bag 104 to raise outof the interior surface of the shell component 102. The opposing end 140of the mesh bag 104 not secured to the telescoping handle 144, isreleasably secured to an edge 120 of the end wall 114 or 116 of theshell component 102. Once in a raised position, the telescoping handle144 can be locked in place (similar to a typical luggage handle),retaining one side of the mesh bag 104 out of the shell component 102 ofthe sports bag device 100.

Thus, if the telescoping handle 144 is secured to an edge 120 of thefirst end wall 114 of the shell component 102, then the mesh bag 104 isreleasably secured to an edge 120 of the second end wall 116 of theshell component 102, and releasably secured to the telescoping handle144, such that raising (or extending) the telescoping handle 144 causesone side of the mesh bag 104 to raise out of the interior surface of theshell component 102 (as shown in FIG. 3). The mesh bag 104 is releasablysecured to both the telescoping handle 144 and to the edges 120 of theend walls 114 or 116 of the shell component 102 via any suitablesecuring means as is known in the art, such as metal clips 145, hook andloop fasteners, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates the mesh bag 104 raised (or elevated) from the sportsbag device 100. As stated supra, the sports bag device 100 comprises amesh bag 104 removably secured within the interior of the shellcomponent 102. The mesh bag 104 comprises a top surface 136, a bottomsurface 138, opposing ends 140, and an opening 142 which is releasablysecured via a drawstring or other suitable securing means, such as hookand loop fasteners, buttons, zippers, etc.

The sports bag device 100 further comprises a telescoping handle 144secured to an edge 120 of the first 114 or second 116 end walls of theshell component 102 for raising or lowering an end 140 of the mesh bag104. Specifically, one of the opposing ends 140 of the mesh bag 104 isreleasably secured to the telescoping handle 144, and the opposing end140 of the mesh bag 104 not secured to the telescoping handle 144, isreleasably secured to an edge 120 of the end wall 114 or 116 of theshell component 102.

Thus, if the telescoping handle 144 is secured to an edge 120 of thefirst end wall 114 of the shell component 102, then the mesh bag 104 isreleasably secured to an edge 120 of the second end wall 116 of theshell component 102, and releasably secured to the telescoping handle144, such that raising (or extending) the telescoping handle 144 causesone side of the mesh bag 104 to raise out of the interior surface of theshell component 102 (as shown in FIG. 4). Once in a raised position, thetelescoping handle 144 can be locked in place, retaining one side of themesh bag 104 out of the shell component 102 of the sports bag device100.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate the sports bag device 100 in use. As stated supra,the sports bag device 100 comprises a shell component 102 and a mesh bag104 secured to the shell component 102. The shell component 102comprises a substantially rectangular base 106, first and second sidewalls 108 and 110 connected to side edges 112 of the base 106, and firstand second end walls 114 and 116 connected to end edges 118 of the base106. Additionally, the shell component 102 comprises a top closurecomponent 126 that releasably connects the side walls 108 and 110,thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component 102.Furthermore, a telescoping handle 144 is secured to an end wall 114 or116, and an end 140 of the mesh bag 104 is releasably secured to thetelescoping handle 144. Thus, raising the telescoping handle 144 causesone side of the mesh bag 104 to raise out of the shell component 102,effectively allowing the contents of the mesh bag 104 to air dry.

In operation, a user 504 would choose the size and/or color of thesports bag device 100 that meets the user's needs and/or wants. The user504 would then fill the mesh bag 104 with assorted sports equipment thatneeds to be air-dried and/or washed. The user 504 would then secure themesh bag 104 onto the telescoping handle 144 of the sports bag device100, and would secure the other end 140 of the mesh bag 104 onto an endwall 114 or 116 of the shell component 102 of the sports bag device 100.Thus, when the telescoping handle 144 is retracted down towards thesports bag device 100, the mesh bag 104 is secured within an interior ofthe sports bag device 100. If the user 504 wants to air-dry the sportsequipment 500 within the mesh bag 104, the user extends the telescopinghandle 144 up in a vertical direction, away from the sports bag device100 and locks the telescoping handle 144 in place.

Once in place, one side of the mesh bag 104 is suspended out of thesports bag device 100, allowing the contents (the sports equipment 500)of the mesh bag 104 to air-dry (as shown in FIG. 4). If the user 504wants to wash the sports equipment 500 within the mesh bag 104, the user504 would detach the mesh bag 104 from the sports bag device 100 (i.e.,from the telescoping handle 144 and end wall 114 or 116), and would pullthe draw-string on the opening 142 to cinch the mesh bag 104 closed (asshown in FIG. 5A), and then would place the mesh bag 104 directly in awashing machine 502 to wash the contents of the mesh bag 104 (as shownin FIG. 5B). Thus, the inner mesh bag 104 and telescoping handle 144 ofthe sports bag device 100 allow a user 504 to hold hockey equipment andother sports equipment while drying, and prevents players from losing ormisplacing pieces of sports equipment.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports bag device comprising: a shell componentcomprising a substantially rectangular base, first and second side wallsconnected to respective opposite side edges of the base, and first andsecond end walls connected to respective opposite end edges of the base;wherein the side walls and end walls are formed of a flexible materialand, the side walls and end walls extend upwardly from the base, andedges of the end walls are joined to adjacent edges of the side walls; atop closure component that releasably connects distal edges of the sidewalls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component; anda mesh bag releasably secured to the interior surface of the shellcomponent, comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and opposingends.
 2. The sports bag device of claim 1, further comprising atelescoping handle secured to an edge of one of the end walls of theshell component.
 3. The sports bag device of claim 2, wherein one of theopposing ends of the mesh bag is releasably secured to the telescopinghandle, such that extending the telescoping handle causes one side ofthe mesh bag to raise out of the interior surface of the shellcomponent.
 4. The sports bag device of claim 3, wherein the mesh bag isreleasably secured to the telescoping handle via metal clips.
 5. Thesports bag device of claim 4, wherein the opposing end of the mesh bagis releasably secured to the interior surface of the shell component viametal clips.
 6. The sports bag device of claim 5, wherein the mesh bagcomprises a drawstring opening.
 7. The sports bag device of claim 6,wherein the mesh bag is manufactured of breathable material.
 8. Thesports bag device of claim 1, wherein the top closure component is azipper.
 9. The sports bag device of claim 1, wherein an exterior surfaceof the shell component comprises a shoulder strap.
 10. The sports bagdevice of claim 9, wherein the exterior surface of the shell componentcomprises a hand strap.
 11. The sports bag device of claim 10, whereinthe exterior surface of the shell component comprises at least onezippered pocket.
 12. A sports bag device comprising: a shell componentcomprising a substantially rectangular base, first and second side wallsconnected to respective opposite side edges of the base, and first andsecond end walls connected to respective opposite end edges of the base;wherein the side walls and end walls are formed of a flexible materialand, the side walls and end walls extend upwardly from the base, andedges of the end walls are joined to adjacent edges of the side walls; atop closure component that releasably connects distal edges of the sidewalls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component; atelescoping handle secured to an edge of the first end wall of the shellcomponent; and a mesh bag releasably secured to an edge of the secondend wall of the shell component and releasably secured to thetelescoping handle, such that extending the telescoping handle causesone side of the mesh bag to raise out of the interior surface of theshell component.
 13. The sports bag device of claim 12, wherein the topclosure component is a zippered flap.
 14. The sports bag device of claim12, wherein the mesh bag comprises a drawstring opening.
 15. The sportsbag device of claim 14, wherein the mesh bag is releasably secured tothe telescoping handle via metal clips.
 16. The sports bag device ofclaim 15, wherein the opposing end of the mesh bag is releasably securedto the edge of the second end wall of the shell component via metalclips.
 17. The sports bag device of claim 12, wherein an exteriorsurface of the shell component comprises a shoulder strap.
 18. Thesports bag device of claim 17, wherein the exterior surface of the shellcomponent comprises a hand strap.
 19. The sports bag device of claim 18,wherein the exterior surface of the shell component comprises at leastone zippered pocket.
 20. A sports bag device comprising: a shellcomponent comprising a substantially rectangular base, first and secondside walls connected to respective opposite side edges of the base, andfirst and second end walls connected to respective opposite end edges ofthe base; wherein the side walls and end walls are formed of a flexiblematerial and, the side walls and end walls extend upwardly from thebase, and edges of the end walls are joined to adjacent edges of theside walls; a zippered flap that releasably connects distal edges of theside walls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shellcomponent; a telescoping handle secured to an edge of the first end wallof the shell component; and a mesh bag comprising a drawstring opening,releasably secured via metal clips to an edge of the second end wall ofthe shell component and releasably secured via metal clips to thetelescoping handle, such that extending the telescoping handle causesone side of the mesh bag to raise out of the interior surface of theshell component.